Early Career Heads Workshop Series & Cohort

Welcome to the SAIS Early Career Heads Workshop Series & Cohort. This 9-month program is tailored specifically for early career heads in their first three years of leading an independent school. Stepping into a leadership role is both an exciting and challenging endeavor. We want to support you through this pivotal transition, providing insights, strategies, and a supportive community as you navigate your first 90 days and beyond. 

The workshops will draw on the foundational principles from two important works in leadership and transition management: The First 90 Days by Michael Watkins and Managing Transitions by William Bridges. These books have been instrumental in guiding leaders through critical periods of transition and change, offering practical tools and frameworks along the journey. We encourage each participant to purchase both books. 

Main Objectives
– understand the critical first 90 days
– navigate transitions effectively
– build a supportive network

All SAIS heads in their first three years are included in this cohort. Pre-registration is not required. For all virtual sessions, the Zoom access link will be emailed prior to each session. Times listed are in the Eastern time zone. 

July 24
2:00-4:00 PM
virtual session

Session Deck
(login required)
Focus
  • 4 pillars of effective onboarding
  • cultural adaptation
  • match strategy to situation

  • Presenters
  • Dr. Brett Jacobsen, President, SAIS
  • Derrick Willard, Head of School, Ravenscroft School
  • August 28
    4:30-5:30 PM
    virtual session
    Focus
  • business orientation
  • financials, products, and operating model
  • risk management and legal 

  • Presenters
  • Dr. Brett Jacobsen, President, SAIS
  • James Milford, Head of School, Maclay School
  • September 25
    4:30-5:30 PM
    virtual session
    Focus
  • community & connection
  • productive working relationships, vertical & horizontal
  • identify best sources of insight
  • building coalitions

  • Presenters
  • Dr. Brett Jacobsen, President, SAIS
  • Panel — Former Heads
    • Jack Hall
    • Doreen Kelly 
    • Marcia Spiller
    October 20
    2:00-4:00 PM
    in-person session
    (location: Charlotte
    pre-conference session
    to Annual Conference)
    *virtual option
    Focus
  • 1st 90-days reflection
  • expectations alignment
  • partnership with board and leadership team

  • Presenters
  • Dr. Brett Jacobsen, President, SAIS
  • Derrick Willard, Head of School, Ravenscroft School
  • November 20
    4:30-5:30 PM
    virtual session
    Focus
  • tuition and affordability
  • data analysis
  • partnering with CFO and finance committee

  • Presenters
  • Dr. Brett Jacobsen, President, SAIS
  • Toni Boyd, CFO, Westminster Schools
  • January 8
    4:30-5:30 PM
    virtual session
    Focus
  • enrollment management
  • outreach
  • financial aid
  • retention data metrics

  • Presenters
  • Dr. Brett Jacobsen, President, SAIS
  • Peter Barron, CEO, MoonshotOS
  • February 5
    4:30-5:30 PM
    virtual session
    Focus
  • building a high performing team

  • Presenter
  • Dr. Brett Jacobsen, President, SAIS
  • Dave Monaco, Partner, Moss+Ross
  • April 2
    4:30-5:30 PM
    virtual session
    Focus
  • leading through strategy
  • vision to execution
  • operating system and project management

  • Presenters
  • Dr. Brett Jacobsen, President, SAIS
  • Tom Olverson, Consultant, RG175
  • May 7
    4:30-5:30 PM
    virtual session
    Focus
  • end of year reflection and celebration
  • sustaining progress

  • Presenter
  • Dr. Brett Jacobsen, President, SAIS
  • In addition to the early career heads workshop series, SAIS provides a variety of in-person and virtual opportunities to add value to you, your team, and your school community.

    • Signals, SAIS monthly newsletter designed to equip you and empower you with timely information to generate new ideas, design strategy, and support purpose-driven plans
    • Research & Resources, monthly digest curating a selection of the latest research findings, innovative practices, and valuable resources
    • Head of School Roundtables, monthly virtual gathering of SAIS heads to discuss important topics heads are navigating
    • SAIS Annual Conference, annual gathering of independent school leaders to learn, network, and grow (Note: First-year heads get complimentary registration. Contact learn@sais.org for promo code.)
    • Webinars, monthly virtual presentations from experts in brand & communication, leadership & governance, community & connection, and teaching & learning
    • Institute for Heads, annual heads retreat to nurture, energize, and restore